I may have mentioned before that “You Gotta Believe” was a phrase that was used often by the CEO of Associated Food Stores when I began my employment there in 1990. At the time, I didn’t recognize the significance of those words. However, I have observed many situations where believing has made a difference.

In my December Connection Magazine article, I mentioned my son Ryan. Many of you know him. He has been in a wheelchair since he was 12 years old and has many physical constraints. However, he has not let these limitations stop him from believing he could drive a car, serve his church, have a job, and even get married. He has definitely taken to heart the words, “You Gotta Believe”.

I recall an instance when my middle son was coaching my youngest son’s baseball team. The team resembled the Bad News Bears, as it was comprised primarily of players that were shunned by more competitive teams and had one of the least competitive lineups in their league. There was a team in the league that was comprised of recruited “All-Star Players.” They had the best-looking uniforms, matching athletic bags and quite the swagger. Of course, our team wore tee shirts and jeans! The odds were stacked against my son’s team, but they believed they could beat the “All-Stars.” The result was a resounding victory by the “Bad News Bears.” It wasn’t even close! As has been said: “You Gotta Believe!”

In regard to believing, I’m confident that we can make a difference in our community and in the lives of others. I am of the opinion simple things can make a difference. Some of those things are:
• Be a good neighbor
• Volunteer your time
• Give with no strings attached
• Use your talents for good in helping others
• Don’t be judgmental – just listen
• Seek win-win solutions – you don’t have get your way all the time
• Shop local and support small businesses
• Take part in community projects and events

I would encourage you to be involved in making our community better tomorrow than it is today. Theodore Roosevelt said, “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”

A basic premise of social psychology is to believe that people want to do good. I would ask each of us to employ this principle with our snowplow drivers. The level of citizen frustration this year seems to have elevated because of the amount of snow we have received, and our drivers have felt the brunt of this frustration. Our drivers are doing a good job in keeping our roads safe. They want to do good! I have had the opportunity to ride with our drivers and their job is not easy. When they pass our homes, let’s give them a smile and wave with our full hand!

Let’s employ the phrase “You Gotta Believe,” as it can really make a difference in our community and the lives of those around us.

Mayor Neal Berube